PHMSA also noted that although the reoccurring training enforcement waiver is in effect, the agency encourages the utilization of alternative training delivery methods including; web-based training, self-paced computer instruction, remotely delivered classroom instruction, on the job training even where testing is not possible. However, PHMSA is not requiring the use of alternative training methods.IMPORTANT! The enforcement waiver does not apply to initial driver training. PMAA is seeking an enforcement waiver for initial training as well.
DHS Issues Fuel Supply Priority and Area Access Letters
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has issued two letters designed to ensure petroleum marketers can obtain and deliver fuel for emergency generators and responders conducting restoration and repair of downed communication and power lines that are critical to management of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The Department of Homeland Security issued both the fuel supply and equipment access letters in preparation for extreme weather events that are likely to bring down phone and power lines supporting emergency communication and response efforts to stem the coronavirus COVID 19 pandemic.The first letter requests supply priority for those marketers seeking fuel for emergency generators powering communications equipment supporting 911 and emergency response capabilities as well as the fleet vehicles used for restoring downed lines, etc. (ex; telephone and electric line repair fleets). The second letter allows petroleum marketers to drive through restricted areas and during restricted times (curfews and restricted travel periods) in order to deliver fuel to emergency communication infrastructure and repair fleets.Petroleum marketers supplying fuel for these qualifying purposes should maintain a copy of the letters in the cab of each truck and make available to suppliers, law enforcement authorities and emergency responders as needed. The letters are valid from March 16 through May 28.Fuel Supply Priority Letter
Emergency Equipment Access Letter
Recording Workplace Exposure to Coronavirus
OSHA recordkeeping requirements at 29 CFR Part 1904 mandate covered employers record certain work-related injuries and illnesses on their OSHA 300 log. COVID-19 can be a recordable illness if a worker is infected as a result of performing their work-related duties.However, employers are only responsible for recording cases of COVID-19 if all of the following are met:
- The case is a confirmed case of COVID-19 (see CDC information on persons under investigation and presumptive positive and laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19);
- The case is work-related, as defined by 29 CFR 1904.5; and
- The case involves one or more of the general recording criteria set forth in 29 CFR 1904.7(e.g. medical treatment beyond first-aid, days away from work).
Visit OSHA’s Injury and Illness Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements page for more information.
Recording Workplace Exposure to Coronavirus
OSHA recordkeeping requirements at 29 CFR Part 1904 mandate covered employers record certain work-related injuries and illnesses on their OSHA 300 log. COVID-19 can be a recordable illness if a worker is infected as a result of performing their work-related duties.However, employers are only responsible for recording cases of COVID-19 if all of the following are met:
- The case is a confirmed case of COVID-19 (see CDC information on persons under investigation and presumptive positive and laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19);
- The case is work-related, as defined by 29 CFR 1904.5; and
- The case involves one or more of the general recording criteria set forth in 29 CFR 1904.7(e.g. medical treatment beyond first-aid, days away from work).
Visit OSHA’s Injury and Illness Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements page for more information.
PennDOT Reopens Additional Rest Areas
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is reopening indoor facilities at 23 select rest areas across Pennsylvania to all motorists, including the 13 facilities in critical locations that were reopened March 18 with portable restrooms and handwashing facilities.PennDOT's 30 rest areas were temporarily closed statewide on March 17 in response to Governor Tom Wolf's mitigation guidance regarding COVID-19 to ensure that proper safety and sanitation protocols were in place."While unnecessary travel is discouraged as we all do our part to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we understand that some trips are necessary and that access to rest areas is important," said Acting PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. "We are constantly evaluating our actions and services in responding to this emergency and will make adjustments where we can safely do so."All reopened rest areas will return to normal service with additional cleaning and maintenance. A complete list of open locations is below:
- Interstate 79 northbound in Allegheny County, 8 miles north of Exit 45;
- Interstate 79 northbound in Crawford County, 8 miles north of Exit 154;
- Interstate 79 southbound in Crawford County, 3 miles south of Exit 166;
- Interstate 79 northbound in Lawrence County, 3.5 miles north of Exit 105;
- Interstate 79 southbound in Lawrence County, 3.5 miles south of Exit 113
- Interstate 79 northbound in Mercer County, 5 miles south of Exit 141;
- Interstate 79 southbound in Mercer County, 6 miles north of Exit 130;
- Interstate 80 eastbound in Centre County, 13 miles east of Exit 133;
- Interstate 80 westbound in Centre County, .5 miles west of Exit 147;
- Interstate 80 eastbound in Jefferson County, 1 mile east of Exit 86;
- Interstate 80 westbound in Jefferson County, 10 miles west of Exit 97;
- Interstate 80 eastbound in Montour County, 4.5 miles east of Exit 215;
- Interstate 80 westbound in Montour County, 4.5 miles west of Exit 224;
- Interstate 80 eastbound in Venango County, .5 miles east of Exit 29;
- Interstate 80 westbound in Venango County, 4 miles west of Exit 35;
- Interstate 81 northbound in Cumberland County, .5 miles north of Exit 37;
- Interstate 81 southbound in Cumberland County, 5.5 miles south of Exit 44;
- Interstate 81 northbound in Lackawanna County, .5 miles north of Exit 202;
- Interstate 81 northbound in Luzerne County, 1.5 miles north of Exit 155;
- Interstate 81 southbound in Luzerne County, 1.5 miles south of Exit 159;
- Interstate 81 southbound in Susquehanna County, 4 miles south of Exit 211;
- Interstate 84 eastbound in Pike County, 6 miles east of Exit 20; and
- Interstate 84 westbound in Pike County, 1 mile west of Exit 26.
The department will continue to evaluate and will determine whether additional rest areas can be reopened. More COVID-19 information is available at www.health.pa.gov. For more information, visit www.dmv.pa.gov or www.PennDOT.gov.
